Speed reduction trial proves win-win for whales, clean air

CHANNEL ISLANDS — The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and their partners, announced the results of a five-month speed reduction trial to see if reducing ships speeds transiting the Santa Barbara Channel could result in fewer whale strikes and cleaner air. For years, the organization has worked to better protect the endangered whales that come to the channel every year to feed or to migrate through. “We have tried many things to improve protection of endangered whales in our waters. We know that if ships slow down, there are fewer whale deaths,” said Sean Hastings, resource protection coordinator for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Reduction of ship speeds is also known to reduce certain air pollutants. Knowing this, Hastings decided to contact Mary Byrd at the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District so they might work together to achieve both benefits—improved whale protection and better air quality. After a few discussions they came up with a joint strategy that could benefit both objectives. The speed reduction trial was created and implemented by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the Environmental Defense Center. It was modeled...